It is with sadness and much love that The Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie announce the death of Sister Edith Arsenault (Sister Anita) on May 1, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, North Bay, Ontario.
Sister Edith was born in Port Elgin, New Brunswick; the daughter, of Celina Bourque, and George Arsenault. She is pre-deceased by her parents and her sisters Anita, Viola (Sister Celine), Florentine (Ginger), Loretta, Irene, Margaret, and Germaine and her brothers Ralph, George, Robert, Larry, and Emile. She is survived by her sister, Sister Mary-Anne Arsenault, and her beloved niece and godchild, Michelle Gauthier (Gould). She is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.
Sister Edith’s family roots can be traced back to the Acadians who first came to New Brunswick in the 1600’s.
Sister Edith Marie Arsenault entered the Congregation of The Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie on October 18, 1951.
Following entrance to the community, Edith and her sister Viola (Sister Celine) initially served the community as seamstresses. Sister Edith’s first appointment was at St. Joseph’s Manor, Port Arthur from 1953 -1958, after which she served in health care ministry as secretary/receptionist in Blind River (1958 – 1960) and Elliot Lake (1960 – 1967). She then returned to Thunder Bay until 1971, after which she served in North Bay from 1971 to 1981 and then returned to Blind River from 1981 – 1985.
Following a well-deserved sabbatical in Ottawa, Sister Edith responded to the invitation to work as secretary/receptionist with Dr. Mary Alice Henry until 2001. Edith was loved by all who came into the ‘clinic space’ – she is described as a receptionist who welcomed everyone with respect and joy, she possessed that uncanny gift of seeing beyond the surface and knew when clients needed a little extra TLC!
Edith retired for the 2nd time in 2001 in Sudbury and became very involved in outreach ministry at the food bank, Right to Life Association and Holy Redeemer Parish.
Sister Edith moved to St. Joseph’s Motherhouse in August 2009. Her gentle presence and quick wit brightened the lives of all those who had the privilege of interacting with her.
The body of Sister Edith will be received at St Joseph’s Motherhouse at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, May 8th, 2022. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 9th, 2022.
During this public health care crisis, it is with regret that The Sisters of St. Joseph will not have a public funeral liturgy. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, North Bay Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the works and ministries of The Sisters of St. Joseph would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences can be made at www.hillsidefuneral.ca
